Print

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Bacon Ranch Dressing Easy and Best

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy yet light BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a smoky homemade bacon ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp buttermilk or regular milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp bacon drippings from cooked bacon

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the pan for the dressing.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp buttermilk, reserved bacon drippings, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp fresh parsley, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, finely dice ½ cup red onion, and chop 1 cup romaine lettuce. If using cheddar, shred about 1 cup.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta, chopped veggies, crumbled crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the bacon ranch dressing over the top and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sogginess. Use freshly cooked bacon and reserve drippings for dressing to add smoky depth. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep crisp. Dressing can be loosened with extra buttermilk if too thick. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon ranch dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, quick lunch

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-bacon-ranch-dressing-easy-and-best/